Innovative Design: How Ducks' Henrique flew solo vs. Vatanen, Devils

Adam Henrique returned to New Jersey in style.

On Nov. 30, the Devils traded the center (along with a prospect and draft pick) to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Sami Vatanen.

As fate would have it, Henrique made his return Monday, less than three weeks later. He proceeded to score a truly original "goal of the year" candidate at the expense of not just his former club, but the very defenseman for whom he was deemed expendable.

Here's how it happened:

The play began in the defensive zone as Henrique (No. 14) held possession of the puck and turned to skate up the ice. Vatanen (45) was the defenseman directly in his path.

As he skated over the blue line, Henrique flipped the puck into the air while Vatanen was skating backward.

The puck flew over Vatanen's head and landed near the offensive zone blue line. Henrique and the defenseman - who was forced to pull off a quick 180-degree turn - raced to track it down.

Henrique was able to beat Vatanen on the outside and gathered the puck as he entered the faceoff circle.

He positioned himself between Vatanen and goaltender Cory Schneider, although it wasn't yet clear whether he would move the puck to his forehand or stick to his backhand.

After faking a move to his forehand, Henrique decided to stick with the back of his blade and roofed the puck past Schneider.

The full play can be seen here.

The Ducks lost to New Jersey in Henrique's return, but the center also added an assist Monday, bringing his totals as a Duck to four goals and four helpers in nine games.

Whatever he might do over the rest of the season, this play will be hard to top - especially given the team, the occasion, and the opposing player involved.

(Photos courtesy: NHL.com)